A Visitors Guide to Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins
and Dives of New York

NYC Food Network's Best
Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives - Highlights & Map

On Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and
Dives", also known as the "Triple D", Guy Fieri takes us on a
restaurant tour of the country's hidden gems, usually of the "comfort" variety
or ethnic specialty (and often a cardiologists
nightmare). You've all seen the show and, whether you admit it or
not, you've craved a bite of whatever it was he was chomping down on that day.
Most of Guy's visits are in smalltown America, but he has made several trips to
New York. While you're visiting New York for business or pleasure, you're
sure to dine at some of the finest restaurants, but you'll also want to take the
time to check out at least one or two of Guy's picks, right?

Well, we're
making that easier for you. Here we've assembled a list of Guy's New York
visits, categorized by location and with all the details necessary to make your pick!
We wouldn't peg many of these as a "diner, drive-in or dine", but we are in New
York, so perhaps that bar is raised a bit. Nonetheless, several of them
are certainly everything Guy's show is all about. Dive or a cut above, you
make the choice.

John's of 12th
Street is a classic Italian restaurant dating back to 1908. They
prepare classic pasta entrees, seafood, pizzas, soups, salads and desserts.
They also have a vegan menu with many excellent choices and a full bar.
Generous portions coupled with excellent service make for a fine meal out.
Entrees generally run $10-$20.

At
Mama's Food Shop, the
menu is generally one price for choice of entree, which includes a side
(currently $12.50); fried chicken, roasted chicken, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, just
to name a few. For a dollar more, you can select another side from the
extensive choices. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons;
try the southern classic Fried Chicken & Waffles. By the way, this is a
BYOB restaurant!

In my opinion, a
restaurant with entrees in the $20+ range isn't really considered a diner or dive, and
there's no drive-in, but if Guy Fieri says it's a dive, we won't argue - perhaps
the less than elegant decor got it in the running. Anyway, at The Redhead Restaurant
you can get a burger for $12, but a burger isn't the first reason to visit The Redhead. You'll want to
start with the bacon peanut brittle or soft pretzel, then move on to the fried
chicken, shrimp & grits, or one of their seasonal entrees. According to New York Magazine,
The Redhead Restaurant leads the pack in the "Southern Comfort" category.

Defonte's Sandwich
Shop offers a whole slew of sandwiches, as well as several salads and
Italian entrees. Choose from hot or cold heros; there are plenty to choose
from. Defonte's makes its mozzarella fresh onsite and their sandwiches are
built on the freshest bread with high quality meats and cheese. They also
serve a couple different breakfast sandwiches which are available all day.
Menu prices top out at about $11.

Sidecar is another
restaurant where I don't quite get how it fits in a Diner's, Drive-Ins and Dives
episode, but I respect Guy too much to exclude it here. Unlike The Redhead
Restaurant, even a stretch can't call the decor here a dive. It has a
pub-like atmosphere. The food is certainly more upscale than Guy's usually
stops; you'll see fried chicken on the menu, but it's served with root mash and
sautéed kale and will set you back $18 (not your typical diner fare). The
menu offers a wide range of dishes to select from: oysters on the half shell,
risotto, a burger, club sandwich and wild salmon, just to name a few.
Sidecar also offers a full bar.

Ben's Best Kosher
Delicatessen, with roots dating back to 1945, has a large menu featuring
sandwiches and more sandwiches, classic entrees, soups, salads and a large
selection of sides. They offer complementary coleslaw and pickles before
your meal. Though everyone has their own favorite, popular items tends to
be the pastrami, corned beef, matzo ball soup, meatloaf and stuffed cabbage
rolls. They also offer catering and even ship nationwide. Beware -
prices are a little steep.

Named for a 1950 Cuban movie,
Rincon Criollo
offers generous portions of authentic Cuban cuisine at reasonable prices with
top-notch service. Best Bets: Ropa Vieja, Bistec Rincon Criollo and Vaca
Frita; and don't miss a side of rice & beans and rice pudding for dessert.
With a few exceptions, entrees including sides are under $20. Bar
beverages include wine and beer only. Ricon Criollo accepts only cash or
American Express. And one last note, if you dare, advise them if it's your
birthday!

Sage General Store
serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
This is a small, homey spot with good comfort food and a passion for
sustainability. They have a number of daily specials, like mac and cheese
of the day, sandwich of the day and pasta of the day, plus a different "blue
plate special" on each weekday. The rotisserie organic chicken, macaroni &
cheese and bourbon sweet potatoes are all sure to please. Try a bacon
brownie for dessert.

The folks at
Tortilleria
Nixtamal serve simple Mexican fare at very reasonable prices (generally
under $10), with most items being ala carte to mix and match as you please.
You might want to start with their homemade tortilla chips with salsa or
guacamole, then move on to the tortilla soup. For your entree, perhaps the
fish tacos, chicken tostada or enchiladas verdes and, if you still have room,
flan or a Mexican popsicle for dessert. They also sell packaged homemade
tortillas and salsa.

Hildebrandt's
Restaurant, established in 1927, is a family business with a menu abundant
with Italian specialties, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, homemade ice
cream, milkshakes and more. Prices are reasonable with sandwiches under
$10 and most entrees slightly over. For a true diner experience, have a
cheeseburger, homemade fries and a milkshake. Tomorrow you can try an
Italian specialty.

Click on the marker on the map or on
the name in the side listing for
more info. The map can provide
directions along with the address of
the point-of-interest. The map can be zoomed in or out, or repositioned by
dragging it.